Americans are increasingly seeking out VPNs as states enact stringent age verification laws that limit what minors can see online. These regulations compel users to provide personal information — like government issued IDs — to verify their age, leading to concerns about privacy and security. As a result, VPN usage is skyrocketing, particularly in states such as Missouri, Florida, Louisiana, Utah and more where VPN searches have jumped by a factor of four following the new regulations.
How age verification laws work
Age verification laws require websites and apps that contain a substantial amount of "material harmful to minors" to verify users' age prior to access. This step frequently entails submitting photographs or scans of ID documents, potentially exposing personal info to breaches. Even though laws forbid companies from storing this information, there is no assurance it will be kept secure, not with the record of massive data breaches at big tech firms.
The vague definition of "harmful content" suggests that age verification could be required for many other types of digital platforms, such as social media, streaming services, and video games. The expansion raises questions about digital privacy and identity protection for all users, minors not excluded. From the latest Pew Research Center finding, 40% of Americans say government regulation of business does more harm than good, illustrating bipartisan wariness of these laws.
Bypassing restrictions with VPNs
VPN services enable users to mask their IP addresses and circumvent these age verification policies, allowing them to maintain their anonymity and have their sensitive information protected. Some VPNs are available on desktop and mobile devices, and some can be used on Amazon Fire TV Stick, among other platforms. To maximize privacy and security, experts suggest opting for VPN providers with robust no-logs policies and strong encryption.
Higher VPN adoption has fueled speculation on whether the US lawmakers will attempt to ban VPNs outright, which would be yet another blow to digital privacy and freedom. For now, VPNs are still a popular option for Americans who want to keep their online activity hidden from nosy age verification schemes.
